The Conservation Committee’s work is praised, but discussions moved to future agenda item

The Conservation Committee’s work is praised, but discussions moved to future agenda item

The Conservation Committee’s report delivered an overview of its achievements in cetacean conservation. The Committee’s ongoing work on bycatch mitigation, vessel strikes, and whale watching, as well as its alignment with broader international environmental frameworks, drew praise from several delegations.

One of the key issues highlighted in the report was the continued progress in mitigating vessel strikes. Formerly referred to as “ship strikes,” the terminology was updated to “vessel strikes” to better reflect the diverse range of maritime traffic that poses a threat to cetaceans. Not only large ships, but also smaller vessels such as fishing boats and yachts, are responsible for collisions with whales and dolphins, making the new term more inclusive and, according to the Conservation Committee, more accurate. The Conservation Committee stressed that vessel strikes are an increasing threat as global shipping lanes expand, and data show that these collisions have severe consequences for already vulnerable cetacean populations.

The Committee approved the continuation of a dedicated data manager for the Vessel Strikes Working Group, which will focus on improving data collection and analysis. Enhanced monitoring systems and partnerships with the maritime industry are essential for developing effective strategies to reduce collisions. By collaborating with international shipping organisations and encouraging better reporting from vessels of all sizes, the Committee aims to mitigate this growing threat.

Another significant topic was the Committee’s ongoing work on the Bycatch Mitigation Initiative (BMI). Bycatch remains one of the largest contributors to cetacean mortality worldwide, and the Committee endorsed several new pilot projects targeting small-scale fisheries, where bycatch risks are highest. The Conservation Committee continues to collaborate with regional fisheries management organisations to broaden the scope of these efforts and promote global action.

The Strategic Plan for Whale Watching (2025-2034) was also endorsed, reinforcing the importance of sustainable tourism in cetacean conservation. Whale watching offers an opportunity to raise public awareness and generate economic benefits for local communities, but it must be well-managed to avoid negative impacts on whale populations. The new strategic plan will guide international whale watching practices over the next decade, ensuring that this growing sector contributes positively to conservation.

Additionally, the Committee endorsed new Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for vulnerable species such as Lahille’s dolphins, Guiana dolphins, and Central American humpback whales. These species-specific plans provide targeted strategies for protecting at-risk cetacean populations, offering tailored interventions based on their unique needs and challenges.

Despite these notable achievements, it must borne in mind that some countries do not endorse the existence and ultimately the expanding role of the Conservation Committee. They question whether the Committee’s work on broader cetacean issues, such as vessel strikes and the conservation of small cetaceans, is in line with the IWC’s original mandate. The IWC, under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW), was primarily established to regulate whaling, and these countries argue that the Commission should remain focused on managing whaling activities rather than expanding into wider conservation issues.

In contrast, other countries commend the Conservation Committee’s efforts. They argue that the modern challenges facing cetaceans, from vessel strikes to bycatch, require the IWC to adapt its scope to ensure effective conservation. For them, the Committee’s work on these issues is essential to safeguarding the future of both large whales and small cetaceans.

Given the differing perspectives on the Conservation Committee’s mandate, the Chair decided to move further discussion on the work of the Committee to a future agenda item. This will allow for a more detailed discussion of the Committee’s evolving role within the IWC and its alignment with the Commission’s overall mission.